From Busy School Mornings To Working Lunches, This Nutritionally-Complete 'Fast Food' Is A Total Lifesaver

Does anyone else feel run-ragged right now? We’re meant to work at least 8 hours a day, perhaps with a commute either side, get 8 hours sleep, walk at least 7,000 steps, eat all our fruit and veg, remember to exercise, cook proper meals, bathe and have a social life to boot. When everything feels a bit impossible, something's got to give - and often, it's our nutrition.

In an ideal world, we'd all have time to prep and cook a healthy home-cooked meal, and have the knowledge to ensure we're getting everything we need. But newsflash - this is the real world, and life gets in the way all the time! As does quick and easy junk food, crisps, chocolate bars or eye-wateringly expensive pre-made sandwiches that cost an arm and a leg. Sure, that pain au chocolat from the station café is convenient and tastes good, but we all know it’s not doing us any favours. That’s why more and more of us are wising up to the alternatives– and why a new trend is emerging to reclaim meal times by swapping laborious cooked or unhealthy pre-prepared meals for nutrient-dense “fast” food that’s uber convenient without compromising on health. 

So what’s this dream foodstuff we speak of? It’s Huel – and it’s team Closer’s new essential for powering through a seriously busy day.

But we know what you’re thinking – what actually is it? Quite simply, it's healthy plant-based food in quick and easy powdered form. Named after a clever amalgamation of “Human” and “Fuel”, each Huel meal gives you the ideal balance of 26 essential vitamins and minerals, protein, essential fats, carbs, fibre, and phytonutrients, made from ingredients such as quinoa, pea protein, rice, flaxseed, coconut, and dried vegetables depending on the flavour. It’s the ultimate shortcut for getting all the healthy food we’d cook for ourselves, if only we had the time and recipes! As it’s plant-based, it’s naturally vegan – and an easy way to cut down on the meat, dairy, and unnecessary waste we’ve been meaning to reduce but too often struggle to do so.

Though you might mix up their signature powder in a shaker, Huel isn't a "shake" brand. What's mixed inside that shaker is a bonafide meal, not some generic protein drink. And now, what started solely as drinkable powders, has expanded into a vast array of options including their new Hot & Savoury meals that prioritise health and convenience, giving your body “complete nutrition” in one quick, easy and affordable meal. In fact, it’s their brand new Mac & Cheeze that’s really put them firmly on our radar once and for all. Deliciously creamy macaroni pasta packed with goodness that you only have to add hot water to? Er, yes please. Two scoops equals 400 calories, and gives you a big heaped bowl that is so cheesy tasting you’d never guess it was vegan. To be honest, it’s the best healthy 5 minute meal we’ve ever made.

Just don’t go thinking this is some fad because it really isn't. Huel is not intended to be a 100% replacement for all the foods we love and moments you enjoy. It’s simply meant to help us stay on track on those rushed-off-your-feet days when we need it most. Think morning school runs and no-time-for-lunch days in the office where you’d be most likely to scoff something unhealthy just to get a few more minutes back. Instead, you can just add water to your Huel and know you’ve had a pretty much perfect meal in minutes without the faff. Though if you’re calorie counting, the fact that every option is 200 or 400 calories certainly makes it that bit easier to watch...

Ready to reclaim your mealtimes? Scroll on to see the Huel products Closer Loves, from lunchtime saviours to breakfast essentials, all intended to do all the hard work for you.

Just add water!